The Italian Cream-Filled Cannoncini is a timeless pastry that combines crisp, golden puff pastry spirals with a rich, silky vanilla custard. Every bite offers a delightful contrast between the flaky exterior and the creamy, indulgent filling. Dusted with a touch of powdered sugar, it’s a visual and flavorful masterpiece.
Perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or a luxurious dessert table, these cannoncini are easier to make than they look and are guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, this Italian classic brings bakery-level elegance right into your kitchen.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
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1 egg (for egg wash)
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2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Cream Filling:
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1 cup whole milk
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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1/3 cup granulated sugar
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2 egg yolks
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease cream horn molds or wrap them in foil.
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Roll out puff pastry and cut into 1-inch strips.
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Wrap each strip around a mold, overlapping slightly. Place seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Beat the egg and brush it over the pastry for a golden finish.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden. Let them cool before removing from molds.
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For the filling, whisk together cornstarch, sugar, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 6–8 minutes.
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Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Let it cool completely.
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Pipe the cooled cream into each pastry shell using a piping bag.
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Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 230 kcal | Servings: 8 cannoncini
The Charm of Italian Cream-Filled Cannoncini
Italian Cream-Filled Cannoncini, often known simply as cannoncini, are a beloved pastry that showcases the finesse and sweetness of Italian baking. Their spiral puff pastry shell, golden and flaky, wrapped around a creamy vanilla filling, offers the perfect blend of texture and flavor. These treats are not only beautiful to look at but are also incredibly satisfying to eat. Often dusted with powdered sugar and served at cafés, bakeries, or special occasions, cannoncini bring elegance and indulgence to any dessert table.
A Bite of Italian Tradition
Cannoncini hail from Northern Italy, where they’re often served during holidays, family gatherings, or Sunday lunches. Their structure is similar to French cream horns, but what sets them apart is the luscious filling—typically a smooth, thick custard or pastry cream with a deep vanilla essence. The tradition of making cannoncini at home has been passed down through generations, especially in families where baking plays a central role in celebrations.
What makes them so special is their presentation. These pastries have a charming spiral shape, and the golden layers of puff pastry look like delicate artwork, filled with a silky custard that oozes slightly at the edges. While they may look complex, cannoncini are surprisingly approachable for home bakers, making them a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire.
Perfect for Celebrations and Everyday Indulgence
These pastries are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re planning a brunch, a baby shower, a birthday party, or just a cozy weekend treat, Italian Cream-Filled Cannoncini fit the occasion. Their crisp exterior offers a lovely contrast to the smooth cream inside, creating a bite that’s both decadent and comforting. They pair beautifully with a strong espresso, a creamy cappuccino, or even a dessert wine like Moscato.
Because of their refined appearance, they also make stunning gifts or party favors. Simply place them in a pastry box or wrap them in parchment with a ribbon, and you’ve got a homemade treat that’s sure to impress.
The Secrets to a Perfect Cannoncini
One of the key elements of this pastry is, of course, the puff pastry. You can use store-bought for convenience, or make it from scratch if you’re more ambitious. The important part is keeping the layers light and flaky. When baked correctly, the pastry puffs into perfect spirals with buttery layers that melt in your mouth.
The cream filling is another important component that brings this dessert to life. A traditional pastry cream made from milk, sugar, eggs, cornstarch, and butter, with a hint of vanilla, is the most common option. However, some variations incorporate whipped cream, mascarpone, lemon zest, or even chocolate. Each variation adds its own unique twist to the classic cannoncini.
Another crucial detail is the molds. You’ll need metal cream horn molds (or you can create makeshift ones by wrapping foil around cone shapes). Wrapping the pastry around these molds and baking them gives you that signature hollow shell, ready to be filled with luscious cream once cooled.
Creative Variations to Try
While traditional cannoncini use vanilla pastry cream, there are many ways to put a creative spin on this Italian classic. Here are a few delicious variations:
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Chocolate Cream Cannoncini: Add melted chocolate or cocoa powder to the custard base to create a rich, chocolatey filling.
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Lemon Curd Cannoncini: For a tart and bright flavor, substitute the filling with homemade lemon curd.
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Nutella Cannoncini: A kid-favorite, this version uses Nutella or hazelnut spread instead of custard for an extra indulgent bite.
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Mascarpone and Berry Cannoncini: Mix mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and add chopped fresh berries for a tangy, fruity twist.
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Coffee Cream Cannoncini: Infuse the cream with espresso or coffee extract to make a tiramisu-style filling.
You can also decorate the pastry shells by dipping the ends in melted chocolate or sprinkling them with crushed pistachios, almonds, or pearl sugar. Presentation can make these simple pastries feel gourmet.
Tips for Best Results
To get the best outcome with your Italian Cream-Filled Cannoncini, here are a few tried-and-true tips:
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Chill the puff pastry before baking to ensure it puffs up beautifully in the oven.
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Do not overfill the pastry shells, as the cream may ooze out. A little goes a long way.
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Let the shells cool completely before adding the filling. This prevents the cream from melting or becoming runny.
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Use a piping bag for precise, mess-free filling. It gives a more polished look and allows for even distribution.
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Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to maintain that fresh, bakery-style look.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re preparing cannoncini for a party or event, you can make the pastry shells a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. The cream can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It’s best to fill the cannoncini just before serving to keep the pastry crisp.
Once filled, they should be consumed within 1–2 days for optimal texture. While they’re still tasty after that, the puff pastry may begin to soften as it absorbs moisture from the cream.
A Dessert That Celebrates Simplicity and Elegance
Cannoncini are a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something elegant and unforgettable. With the lightness of puff pastry and the richness of the cream, every bite offers a taste of Italian culinary magic. Even if you’ve never made pastries before, this recipe is a great introduction to working with puff pastry and cream fillings. It’s forgiving, customizable, and extremely rewarding.
From the moment you take that first bite, the contrast between the flaky crust and creamy filling will leave you enchanted. These pastries are not just desserts—they’re little moments of joy, reminders of how food can transport us to another place, another memory, or even another country.
Conclusion
Italian Cream-Filled Cannoncini may look like an elaborate patisserie item, but they are surprisingly achievable at home. With just a few key techniques and some creativity, you can enjoy a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether you stick with the traditional vanilla custard or explore bolder flavors like lemon, chocolate, or coffee, these pastries are guaranteed to impress.
Their aesthetic beauty, delightful texture, and rich flavor make them an unforgettable addition to your baking collection. Perfect for festive occasions, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, cannoncini bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen—one creamy bite at a time.